Valentines Day Special at 2nd’s

Gentlemen, let me do you a favor. No need to thank me for this thoughtful gesture, although I have a feeling you will. If your girlfriend/wife/”it’s-complicated-I don’t want to put any labels but we’re together everyday” lady friend has been hinting endlessly about Valentines, then here’s something that will shut her up (in a good way!hehehe!)—take her to 2nds! Here’s why it’s a win-win see-choo-way-syun for you my little padawan: it’s sophisticated enough to impress her but at the same time the Gentleman’s Club feel of this resto will still allow you to keep your cool and suave self intact.

Our friends from 2nds invited us to sample their Valentine’s Day Special last Saturday. Note to reader: I hope my limited culinary vocabulary will not discourage you from trying these special Vday dishes. I’m not a chef, food critic, or culinary expert—-I’m a regular girl who likes good food. I’m writing from the stomach heart 🙂

TINAPA SHRIMP CAKES WITH RED CURRY REMOULADE

Erase all your preconceived notions about Tinapa. This starter is a far, far, far cry from your yaya’s tinapa at home. This was definitely a good starter for all of us. It had just the right amount of crunch on the outside with a consistent chewy texture in the inside. Sarap!!!!:)

SEARED FOIE & MESQUITE SMOKED CHICKEN SALAD

I’ll be honest I was never really a Foie Gras fan. Although I eat certain types of pate, liver was never on my favorite things to eat list. I would hate getting foie gras bits stuck on the roof of my mouth. So I was a bit apprehensive about this dish. When it was served I ate the smoked chicken salad part first—which I LOVED!!! And my fork was tip-toeing around the foie gras for a good two minutes. But when I looked around me, everyone was devouring their foie and I didn’t want to feel out of place so I took a deep breath and ate it. WOW. What a surprise!!!!! I actually, genuinely, whole-heartedly liked it 🙂

MALBEC BRAISED BRISKET & SEARED SEA BASS

Oohhh Chuck Bass. Ay mali. I mean, SEA BASS!!!! Of all my swanky fishy friends, this one is my favorite. If cooked properly, sea bass is a delight to eat. Chef Mikko kept the integrity of the sea bass by not drenching it with a whole fiesta of sauces and spices (which most chefs are always tempted to do!). And that sweet potato mash with truffle oil made my tummy so kilig!!! The super filling braised brisket also provided a good contrast to the light sea bass.

CHILI DARK CHOCOLATE POT DE CREME WITH CRISPY JAMON BITS

This is a PMS-ing girl’s dream come true!!!! It’s the perfect mix of salty-sweet-spicy!!! I was going nuts with the fireworks of flavors in my mouth. They served it in a small shot glass, which to me was the appropriate way to present it, because this dessert will hit you strong like a shot of tequila! You have to try it 🙂

HONEY VANILLA ICE CREAM WITH BROWNED BUTTER ALMOND STREUSEL

This wins in the comfort food department–which Chef Mikko has mastered. It’s a sure bet for someone who just wants to end the evening on a sweet note.

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